# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28-181: In flight encounter with weather NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. ## Latest cases - [NTSB MIA08FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA001.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Walthourville, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2007 · N96HA · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot's loss of control at night in marginal night VFR operations due to spatial disorientation. A factor in the accident was the pilot's improper decision to continue the flight. - [NTSB ATL07LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07LA067.md): Piper PA28-181 · New Tazewell, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 2007 · N30465 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight from visual meteorological conditions into instrument meteorological conditions, and a low cloud ceiling. - [NTSB SEA06LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA029.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Butte, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2005 · N4350F · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during low-level maneuvering at night. Factors included the pilot’s improper in-flight decision to continue into an area that was forecasted to possibly contain snow, fog, and low ceilings. Additional… - [NTSB MIA04FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04FA045.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 2004 · N298PA · Destroyed > The flight instructor's failure to comply with the instrument approach procedure in that he descended prematurely below decision height resulting in an in-flight collision with trees, power lines and the ground. Contributing factors were the dark night light… - [NTSB ATL02FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02FA008.md): Piper PA-28-181 · McEwen, TN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2001 · N43334 · Destroyed > The pilot initiated a VFR flight into known IMC conditions which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the low ceilings. - [NTSB ATL01FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL01FA048.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Jasper, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2001 · N31566 · Destroyed > The pilot disregarded preflight weather briefing information, and continued visual flight into known instrument weather conditions and collided with trees. - [NTSB CHI99FA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99FA290.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Paw Paw, MI · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1999 · N281PF · Destroyed > the pilot flew into known adverse weather, the pilot's lack of total instrument flight experience, and the pilot exceeded the design limits of the airplane. Factors included the pilot's total lack of experience in the type of operation and the pilot's… - [NTSB CHI99FA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99FA238.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Yorkville, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1999 · N5054F · Destroyed > the pilot continuing into known adverse weather conditions, attempting low altitude flight, and not maintaining terrain clearance. Factors to the accident were the thunderstorm and the improper weather evaluation by the pilot following pre-departure and… - [NTSB DEN99LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA030.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Rollinsville, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 1998 · N8112S · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, that included a downdraft which resulted in a loss of control, and collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the terrain,… - [NTSB LAX98FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA188.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Bangor, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 1998 · N9703C · Destroyed > The pilot's attempted flight into instrument meteorological conditions, loss of spatial orientation, and the resultant loss of airplane control. Contributing factors were his improper preflight and in-flight decisions, overconfidence in his personal ability,… - [NTSB NYC98FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA124.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Dalton, MA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 1998 · N75137 · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue the flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a loss of control, and airplane stress limits to be exceeded. Factors in the accident, the pilot's decision to disregard the preflight weather briefing, and… - [NTSB SEA98FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA001.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Leadore, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1997 · N2938B · Destroyed > the pilot's inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from wooded terrain in the area where he was maneuvering. Factors relating to the accident include: darkness, low ceiling, and high/mountainous… - [NTSB LAX97LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA013.md): Piper PA-28-181 · San Diego, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 1996 · N2501X · Destroyed > the student pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his subsequent flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from obstructions (power lines). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, low… - [NTSB CHI96FA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA284.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Muncie, IN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1996 · N9137N · Destroyed > the inadvertent flight of the airplane by the pilot-in-command into a thunderstorm. The weather was a factor. - [NTSB NYC96FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA158.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Sea Bright, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1996 · N84280 · Destroyed > the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with water. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's… - [NTSB NYC96FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA085.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Granville, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 1996 · N8276Y · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional flight into known icing conditions and his overconfidence in his ability, which led to a partial loss of engine power as a result of induction system ice. Also causal was ATC's excessive vectoring of the airplane in icing conditions,… - [NTSB ATL94FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94FA082.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Opelika, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 1994 · N39770 · Destroyed > Loss of aircraft control for an unknown reason. Factors related to the accident were: the weather conditions (clouds with low ceiling), continued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot's lack of instrument… - [NTSB CHI94FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94FA067.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Waseca, MN · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 23, 1994 · N4510N · Destroyed > Continued VFR flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (or clearance) above the ground. Factors related to the accident were: an inaccurate weather forecast by… - [NTSB NYC93FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93FA140.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Provincetown, MA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 1993 · N2093A · Destroyed > The pilot initiating VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. During his attempt to regain control of the aircraft the pilot exceeded the design stress limits resulting in wing… - [NTSB DEN93FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN93FA043.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Elbert, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 1993 · N38481 · Destroyed > The pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC. Factors were his lack of instrument training/experience, existing weather, and dark night conditions. - [NTSB CHI92LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA043.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Rochester, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 1991 · N8411A · Substantial damage > Improper use of autopilot during approach which resulted in proper alignment not maintained by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were turbulence and crosswinds, over confidence in aircraft's capability and overconfidence in personal ability. - [NTSB LAX91FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA181.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Carpenteria, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 1991 · N8019N · Destroyed > 1) Inadequate weather evaluation by the pilot, 2) poor inflight decision to try and continue VMC flight, and 3) the pilot's lack of total experience. - [NTSB LAX91FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA106.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Fredonia, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 1991 · N4384L · Destroyed > The pilot's inattention to the airspeed and subsequent loss of aircraft control after attempting VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to recognize his limitations of his aircraft. - [NTSB CHI91LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA093.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Marshfield, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 1991 · N6205J · Substantial damage > Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush onto snow covered terrain beside the runway. The adverse weather conditions and snow covered terrain were related factors. - [NTSB NYC90FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90FA117.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Rome, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 1990 · N8376N · Destroyed > An inflight loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, and his decision to make the flight after receiving three separate briefings where he was told 'VFR flight not recommended.' - [NTSB DEN90LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA080.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Price, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 1990 · N4540X · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate conpensation for the gusty wind conditions, which were a factor. - [NTSB ATL89LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA216.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Cleveland, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1989 · N43804 · Destroyed > The improper handling of the airplane by the pilot in command; a delayed go-around, and the premature retractions of the flaps. - [NTSB LAX89FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA211.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Dinsmore, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 1989 · N4527F · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factors to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain weather information, his overconfidence in his… - [NTSB LAX89FA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA189.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Dublin, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 9, 1989 · N8078V · Destroyed > The pilot decided to continue VFR flight after encountering instrument meteorological conditions in an area of rising mountainous terrain. Factors in this accident were the pilots lack of experience and his failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing. - [NTSB MIA88LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA166.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Freeport, Bahamas · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 1988 · N8068J · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with adverse weather. - [NTSB NYC88LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA132.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Jamestown, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 1988 · N5688V · Substantial damage > The Piper PA-28-181 departed with two pilots onboard. About one hour after takeoff, the PIC got very sick and could not continue flying. She experienced a severe headache and vomitting. The non-instrument rated pilot continued the flight. The aircraft made… - [NTSB LAX88FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA082.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Napa, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 1988 · N2938X · Destroyed > Pilot's inflight loss of control of the aircraft while maneuvering in IFR conditions after becoming disoriented while executing an instrument approach procedure. Factors in the accident were the pilots lack of recent instrument flight experience and the… - [NTSB LAX88FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA014.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Mount Baldy, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1987 · N47529 · Destroyed > Bfr tkof, the plt filed a VFR flt plan & rcvd a wx briefing which included an AIRMET. The AIRMET contained precautionaryinfo abt instrument conds (IMC), icing & mtn obscuration in calif. When the plt opened his flt plan with the fss, he wasagain briefed on… - [NTSB LAX87FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA196.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Newhall, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 1987 · N8444A · Substantial damage > At about 1440 PDT, the non-instrument rated plt depd antioch CA, on a flt to burbank, CA. No known in-flt communicationswere made until the plt contacted TRACON at 1725 PDT. At that time, he rprtd inbound at 7500' & requested a special VFR clnc to the arpt.… - [NTSB LAX87FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA103.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Gualala, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 1987 · N75178 · Destroyed > The student plt, flying his own acft, took off under VFR conditions for an intended 45 min solo cross country flt. The plt encountered deteriorating wx & attempted to return to the departure airport. A witness observed the aircraft enter clouds, turn left &… - [NTSB DEN87LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA049.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Taos, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 1987 · N6913L · Substantial damage > The non-instrument rated plt inadvertently flew into IMC wx; snow, fog, freezing temperatures and low visibility, in mountainous terrain. He made a forced landing on a trail due to lowering visibility, 15 miles southwest of the destination arpt. The terrain… - [NTSB MIA86FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86FA218.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Steinhatchee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1986 · N6151J · Destroyed > On 7/23/86, ARTCC lost radar & radio contact with the acft while the plt was in lvl flt at 6000 ft in an area of lvl 3 & 4 thunderstorms (tstms). Two days later, the left wing panel & the tips of the horizontal stabilators were fnd in the vicinity of where… - [NTSB LAX86FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FA079.md): Piper PA-28-181 · El Cajon, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 1986 · N4318V · Destroyed > Drg arrival at an arpt near his home, the plt contacted apch control (ctl) & asked the ctlr for assistance in landing & said that the wx looked a little foggy. The ctlr informed the plt of the acft's position in relation to the arpt. As the acft was dscndg… - [NTSB LAX85FA322](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA322.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Phelen, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1985 · N2640Q · Destroyed > After receiving a preflight weather briefing 1 hour and 20 minutes before takeoff, that cautioned of lowering ceilings and thunderstorms along his proposed flt route, the plt took off under VFR. A flt plan was not filed. As the acft climbed to its cruise alt… - [NTSB DEN85FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA102.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Vail, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 1985 · N8359B · Destroyed > The plt did not obtain a wx briefing, file a flight plan or refuel the acft prior to departing for eagle Colorado. The acft departed at 1800 under VFR cond. The plt reported over minturn co at 2019. Witnesses at Vail co stated that the wx cond were poor from… - [NTSB MKC84LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA270.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Grain Valley, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1984 · N21489 · Substantial damage > The landing gsar collapsed as a result of a hard landing in gusty wind conditions. Although the airport wind sock was tattered, sufficient wind information was available from fss and UNICOM to alert the pilot to the need for compensation on approach. The… - [NTSB ATL84LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA070.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Waverly, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1983 · N2767M · Substantial damage > About 8 mi from his destination the plt encountered freezing rain. He decided to retrieve a flashlight from his briefcase in the back seat to use in checking for ice on the wings & in consulting his charts. While leaning over the back seat, the plt lost his… - [NTSB LAX83FA390](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA390.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Santa Rosa, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 1983 · N5698V · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated plt & a passenger took off from the arpt at dawn before the control tower was in operation. The takeoff was at 0549 PDT in IMC conditions. Shortly after taking off, the acft crashed. One witness stated that he heard the acft takeoff… - [NTSB FTW83FA373](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA373.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Ville Platte, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1983 · N21537 · Destroyed > Prior to takeoff the plt had received a wx briefing & was advised that VFR flt was not recommended. He was given convective SIGMET 13C which called for thunderstorms with tops above 45,000 ft throughout his route of flt. About 25 minafter takeoff four… - [NTSB LAX83FA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA276.md): Piper PA-28-181 · El Cajon, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 1983 · N8318T · Destroyed > The plt was first wx briefed at 0916 for a flt to catalina island & on to san jose. VFR flt was not recommended. Subsequently the plt called fss four more times, the final call at 1402 during which he requested & received the wx for montgomery & gillespie… - [NTSB DEN83FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83FA072.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Evanston, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 1983 · N8406F · Substantial damage > When en route, the acft collided with power lines where they crossed over a highway about 39 ft AGL. Two witnesses near this location reported that the acft was flying low & was following the highway on a westerly heading when the acft struck the wires. The… - [NTSB CHI83LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA031.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Marshall, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 1982 · N6246J · Destroyed > During a preflight weather briefing, the pilot was warned that VFR flight was not recommended. Also, a fixed base operator warned him of the weather (there were patches of ground fog). After takeoff, fog was encountered at about 200 to 500 ft AGL. During a… - [NTSB LAX83FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA020.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Vallejo, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 1982 · N4583F · Destroyed > At 1830, the plt received a wx briefing for a flt from fair oaks to san jose, CA with a passenger pickup stop at sacramento, CA. During the briefing, he was told that he ought to be able to make it if he traveled below 4000 ft MSL & left within the next hr.… - [NTSB ATL82DA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA162.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Savannah, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jun 13, 1982 · N80SA · Destroyed > The pilot obtained a weather briefing and filed a VFR flight plan before takeoff. He was advised that the weather was 6000 ft scattered, 6 miles visibility, possible storms gathering at palatka, FL. After takeoff, he was unable to contact the flight service… ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7102807', '7102832') AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 240)) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7102807&occurrence=240 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.